Investing in a Vacation Property? Learn What You’ll Need to Have to Get A Mortgage Approved

With approximately one million people having purchased vacation homes in the last year, this type of residence is gaining popularity for those who are interested in a home in a beach setting or a vacation hot spot. However, while a second home can seem like a great purchase and solid investment opportunity, there are different requirements that go into this type of purchase. If you’re considering a vacation home, you may want to be aware of the following financial factors.

The Down Payment Amount

If you currently have a primary residence, you may be aware that you don’t need to put down 20% or even 10% in order to make a home purchase, but things are different when it comes to a vacation home. Because you will be taking on an additional mortgage, there is greater risk involved, and this means you will likely have to put in at least 10 percent. Because of this, many homebuyers utilize the equity they have in their first home to make up the down payment.

About The Credit Score

Most people that have a credit score of more than 500 have the ability to use a mortgage product and purchase a home, but if you’re buying a second property, you’ll need a higher credit score in order to facilitate the purchase. Because there is more risk involved, lenders will want to make sure you’re a good bet. In addition, if you do have a lower credit score, lenders like Fannie Mae may also expect you to put more down to decrease the risk involved for them.

The Income Required

Since you’ve been through the mortgage process for your first home, you’re probably aware that you debt-to-income (DTI) ratio needs to be a certain amount in order to qualify for a mortgage. While your DTI for a primary residence may be a little bit higher since it’s your only payment, this ratio will be lower for your vacation home since it’s higher risk. This means you’ll require a slightly higher income than for your primary residence in order to get approved.

Deciding to purchase a vacation home can be a very exciting concept for many people, but there are a number of different financial requirements that go along with buying another residence. If you’re in the market for a vacation property and are curious about what’s involved, give me a call to get you on the right track – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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10356 E Chia Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,775,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,758 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6710878

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Contemporary Gem in Desert Mountain offering stunning sunset & mountain views. Optional LIFESTYLE Membership available to transfer at COE at Buyer's expense. Charming gated entry welcomes you to a courtyard colonnade leading to a beautiful resort patio with pool & spa. The main home is a SINGLE LEVEL (no steps) open plan with fresh clean lines & contemporary finishes. It is flanked by the pool patio plus an additional covered patio with a generous overhang & artificial grass accents that's perfect for entertaining. Detached casita features a sitting area, kitchenette, dry sauna plus roof-top deck sporting panoramic views & its own garage. New stylish pendants & chandeliers throughout ~ not in photos. Additional bonus room in main home offers flexibility. Desert Mountain is a prestigious gated community in Arizona's wealthiest zip code offering 7 golf courses, 7 clubhouses with swimming, tennis, pickle ball and work out facilities. There are also 20+ miles of private hiking trails in a 3,000 preserve backing to the Tonto National Forest. Home is ready to be shown by appointment only. More photos to follow.

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11415 E Dreyfus Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$2,775,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

5,612 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6555062

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Modern luxury audiophile home perched high on a rare hillside Ancala lot nestled into the luxurious hills of North Scottsdale's most sought-after golf community. From your negative edge pool, enjoy the cool sunset breeze, and watch the twinkle of the city lights blend with the desert starscape. Impress friends & family with a functional & fun floorplan, room for 3 cars, fine finishes, top-of-the-line appliances, stonework, wood paneling, 4 fireplaces, 2 wet bars, & private bathrooms for every bedroom. From your smartphone transform the lower-level into an immersive audio-visual adventure in opulent sound, operate interior & exterior audio systems, mood lighting, window shades, cameras, televisions, door locks, & more. It's all user-friendly & supported by your own personal system advisor.

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26924 N 35th Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$2,750,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,776 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741410

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW HOME TO BE BUILT!!! Wake up in the home of your dreams! Collaborate with Arizona's most acclaimed architects and planners to create a new way of living in North Phoenix. Nestled just north of Happy Valley, this 4,776-square-foot property offers breathtaking mountain and city light views within the prestigious gated community of Deem Hill Estates. This luxurious home includes an 875-square-foot guest suite, complete with a kitchen, living area, full bath, laundry room, and separate garage. The main house features an expansive master suite with a huge walk-in closet, two bedrooms with Jack and Jill bath and walk-in closets, a separate office, and a mudroom. The second floor boasts a spacious concept room with a walk-in closet and full bath. Experience unparalleled elegance and comfort in this exclusive hillside community. Seamlessly transition from indoors to a resort-style outdoor space via multi-slide doors, where a shimmering pool, state-of-the-art BBQ, chic bar, firepit, and a cozy gas fireplace await. For peace of mind, it's pre-wired for security and cameras. Just moments away from schools, exclusive shopping, and the renowned TSMC facility.

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11901 S 71st Street Tempe, AZ 85284

$2,750,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

6,300 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769184

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream estate nestled in one of the most sought after ranchette communities in the southeast valley. This stunning Tuscan villa exudes elegance with no detail overlooked. From the gated courtyard and grand entry to the spa-like primary suite, every feature makes this home a perfect retreat. An open-concept great room with soaring ceilings and exposed wood beams connects seamlessly with dining and gathering areas. The gourmet kitchen boasts Viking appliances, custom cabinetry, and oversized island perfect for entertaining. Outside, your private oasis is complete with a waterpark featuring heated pool, waterfall, slide and splash pad. Gather on travertine patios or under the gazebo with built-in BBQ. This estate is a must-see offering unparalleled luxury and craftsmanship. Additional Features: Kitchen: dishwasher, pot filler, built-in Viking Professional appliances including refrigerator, double oven, cooktop, & microwave. Interior Upgrades: Pella windows and doors, steam shower, walk in closet by Classy Closets, travertine tile, new water softener, bonus downstairs kitchen, butler's pantry, & solid alder interior doors. Exterior Upgrades: radiant barrier roof, new pool pump, Pentair pool equipment - with remote operation, exterior trim lights, garage epoxy floors, outdoor kitchen, greenhouse, keypad entry, flood irrigation, citrus orchard, & raised bed gardens.

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28080 N 101st Street Unit 116 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,750,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,846 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696862

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy the luxury of the LaScala Terracina home, located in the prestigious Estancia community with prime southeast exposure. This residence features a sophisticated office space and a custom-built entertainment cabinet. The patio is equipped with a spa and a gas grill for optimal relaxation and entertaining. The home showcases a classic European design, highlighted by meticulous attention to detail and the use of high-quality materials and finishes. Estancia offers residents exclusive amenities, including a championship golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center, and private access to hiking trails. The gated community ensures privacy and security, making it a perfect sanctuary for those seeking a luxurious and peaceful living environment.

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6005 N 64th Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$2,750,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,963 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755796

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, this charming 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with NO HOA offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. With nearly 3,000 square feet of living space, the thoughtfully designed layout includes separate living and family rooms, stone flooring throughout, and cozy carpeting in the bedrooms. A charming fireplace in the living room adds to the home's warm ambiance, while ceiling fans throughout ensure year-round comfort. The lush backyard is a true desert oasis, featuring mature landscaping, an above-ground spa, and unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain. The low-maintenance yard allows for easy care, while the recently resurfaced pool (2022) invites you to cool off and relax. This home has been meticulously maintained with a new AC installed in 2021 and a fully updated roof in 2014, offering peace of mind. Recently painted and move-in ready, this Paradise Valley gem is the perfect retreat with easy access to hiking trails, breathtaking views, and modern convenience.

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5741 N 38th Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$2,750,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,671 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753536

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Paradise Valley home offers stunning 360-degree views of Camelback Mountain, downtown Phoenix lights, and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, all complemented by modern upgrades throughout. The property includes a main house and an attached guest house, perfect for hosting visitors or extended stays. The open-concept living room features a wall of windows that bathe the space in natural light, anchored by a cozy fireplace. The chef's kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances, a skylight, an eat-in area, and a formal dining space. The primary suite serves as a peaceful retreat with private backyard access, dual vanities, and a full bath. Designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living, the backyard is a true desert oasis, complete with a custom pool, expanded deck, covered patio, and lush desert landscaping that ensures privacy. Multiple seating areas provide ample room for lounging and entertaining. Situated in a highly desirable, private neighborhood, this home is just minutes from world-class resorts, golf courses, fine dining, and shopping. A rare gem, this property embodies the essence of luxury living in Paradise Valley.

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18720 N 101st Street Unit 2006 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,750,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

2,752 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718632

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

**NEW-CONSTRUCTION** The best opportunity to be inside the gates of Silverleaf at a competitive price. ICON at Silverleaf offers an unlimited lifestyle with the lock-and-leave luxury of exceptional single-story flats amid the incomparable beauty of Arizona's McDowell Mountains. This rare and unique offering of spacious, open-concept residences affords the very best of all possible worlds, close to the cosmopolitan conveniences of affluent North Scottsdale, yet secreted within the pristine privacy of the Sonoran Desert behind the gates of the truly iconic upscale private resort community of Silverleaf.

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7740 E Santa Catalina Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,750,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

5,371 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774091

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in the heart of the Sonoran Desert! This beautifully appointed property offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless charm.The recently updated Gourmet Kitchen boasts new cabinets '' Vittara Crystal'' Quartzite countertops with a waterfall island along with Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove and Scotsman appliances.This meticulously designed and maintained home has an expansive outdoor living area with a sparkling pool, hot tub and putting green, perfect for entertaining or unwinding. Located in a very desirable neighborhood with top-rated schools, parks and dining options nearby, this home is perfect for families or anyone seeking a vibrant community.

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16122 E Tombstone Avenue Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Open House

$2,750,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,435 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659474

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Backing to FireRock Country Club #14 tees and fairway, this new contemporary SW home is the ultimate setting for entertaining. Featuring a 460 ft casita, pool, spa and full-size RV garage, the home is perched on over a half-acre. Completion expected October, 2024. The very open and large Great Room features 16' X 10' stacking slider doors to views and a 60' electric fireplace. The kitchen features a 10' island, offers Shaker style cabinetry to 10' height, SS Frigidaire Pro Series appliances w/full size refrigerator and freezer plus a 139-bottle wine captain. All bedrooms are large and fully suited to custom closeting, plus a den/office. The Casita features a private bedroom plus a hospitality area. The large 5+ car garage features an RV bay with 14' door and 16' ceilings.

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2144 E San Juan Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

Open House

$2,750,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

3,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763200

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home offers modern elegance in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Phoenix. Featuring an open-concept layout, the gourmet kitchen includes high-end finishes, a large walk-in pantry, and a spacious island. The home boasts smart technology, built-in speakers, and a custom bar that opens to the backyard perfect for entertaining. The luxurious master suite includes a spa-like bath and a huge walk-in closet, with each bedroom offering its own private ensuite. Additional highlights include a three-car garage, RV gate, large backyard, and a prime location near the Biltmore Shopping Center and Biltmore Golf Club.

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855 Distant Drums Road Sedona, AZ 86336

$2,749,500

3 Beds

4 Baths

3,275 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768405

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Live in TRANQUILITY w/ THE Absolute BEST VIEWS, BEST POOL, BEST SUNSETS in Sedona. Sellers live in main home & rent out the attached studio & detached casita for past 6 yrs ! This magical 2.4 acre site sides to National Forest w/ INFINITY POOL & 360 views. Full REMODEL 2012 of Main Home which features Great Room Living w/ true AZ Stone fireplace, Gourmet Kitchen w/ Massive Stainless Commercial Fridge/ New Induction Range. Main house which includes the studio boasts 2 Primary Suites & 2 bonus rooms/ 2.5 bth + in ground spa + additional hot tub. Detached Casita TO DIE FOR! Offering Gr8 Rm w/14' ft ceilings & glass window walls + Murphy Bed, 1 bdrm, 2 bths, kitchen, wrap around VIEW DECK, & Hot tub. Multiple open and covered patios & decks to breathe in RED ROCK VIEWS & stargaze at night! End of road isolation that is 5 minutes to Dining, Shopping, Medical in West Sedona.

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